Ballot Marking Devices for Voting in 2008

1. Ballot Marking Devices for Voting in 2008 Produced by NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD)

2. Notes

3. The New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD) is an independent, NYS government agency charged with improving the quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities and protecting their rights by: • promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life; • ensuring programmatic and fiscal accountability in the State's mental hygiene system; • providing individual and systemic investigative and advocacy services; • advancing the availability and use of assistive technology for persons with disabilities; and, • offering impartial and informed advice, training and recommendations on disability issues.

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5. Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) • 28 CFR § 35.130 • General prohibitions against discrimination • 28 CFR § 35.150 • Existing facilities

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7. Help America Vote Act (HAVA) • § 301 (a) (3) • Accessibility for individuals with disabilities: • The voting system shall be accessible for individuals with disabilities…

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9. US Department of Justice (DOJ) • March 4th 2005 Response to state of Mississippi’s inquiry regarding accessible voting system: • “…persons with disabilities must be able to gain access to the polling place…”

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11. Election Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (EAID)/ VOTE • Section 261 of HAVA provides that funds be made available to: • Make polling accessible; • Provide the same opportunity for access and participation; • Train election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers; and • Provide information about accessibility of polling places.

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13. EAID Vote Grant • NYS Board of Elections Administers • $ Used for Minor Barrier Reduction • $500,000+ Expended to date

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15. … Now It’s 2008 • NYS Board of Elections Hires SOE Software • On–line Poll Worker Training Available Soon

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17. Voter Assistance on Primary and Election Days 2008

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19. Site Accessibility • Poll Managers - Responsible for Ensuring Polling Sites are Accessible • Poll workers - are an Objective Eye. Conditions should be reported to the Poll Manager.

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21. What to look for: • Check parking lot for debris or anything that may impede voters using wheelchairs, canes or walkers. • Check for accessible parking.

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23. Accessible Parking with shared 8 ft Aisle

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25. Accessible Parking Space Made Using Traffic Cones

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27. Path of Accessibility Check list Curb cuts Ramps Railings Automatic Doors Directional Signs Accessible Entrance

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29. Accessible Door Handles

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31. Interior Accessible Route

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33. Voter Registration • Items needed in order to prep the voting room: • Duct tape for any extension cords; • Magnifying sheet; • Pencil and pad of paper; • Ensure 5 ft turning space around registration, ballot marking device and lever voting machine. • Ask ALL voters if they need any assistance

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35. Providing Registration Assistance • Assistance may be provided by: • Voter’s Companion • Poll Worker • Assistance must be documented in Challenge Report • Oath

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37. “People First Language” • “Person with a disability” rather than disabled person • Specific disabilities – “Person with/Person who has” • Aren’t sure? Ask the person his/her preference • Read “People First” Publication

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39. Persons with Mobility Impairments/Wheelchair Users Interaction & Assistance Tips • Offer assistance • Do not push wheelchair without asking • Place yourself at eye level

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41. Options & Assistance

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43. Persons who are Blind/Visually Impaired • Interaction & Assistance Tips • Identify yourself • Offer assistance • State directions clearly • Service animals are working - do not pet • Do not shout or talk loudly • Communicate & ask questions directly to the person • Let person know when you walk away

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45. Options & Assistance

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47. Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing • Interaction & Assistance Tips • Tap the person gently to get his/her attention • Have paper and pen available • Speak directly to the voter • Face the person when giving directions • Do not shout

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49. Persons Diagnosed with a Developmental/Cognitive Disability • Interaction & Assistance Tips • Provide simple / easy to follow instructions • Listen attentively - do not finish sentences • Let them know you understand - ask questions if unclear • Allow extra time in the voting booth • Person may choose to take someone into the voting booth with them

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